Luster M I, Ackermann M F, Germolec D R, Rosenthal G J
Division of Toxicology Research and Testing, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Environ Health Perspect. 1989 May;81:157-62. doi: 10.1289/ehp.8981157.
Classically, immunotoxicology has been defined as the study of adverse effect on the immune system associated with exposure to environmental chemicals, pharmacologic agents, and biologicals. Although a multitude of immune system defects may occur, these can be generally categorized as immunomodulation (immune suppression or potentiation), hypersensitivity (i.e., allergy), and autoimmunity. We present here a brief synopsis of the ontogeny of immunotoxicology as a discipline including methodology currently used in our laboratory, as well as in others, for investigating the immunomodulatory potential of chemicals at the cellular and biochemical level. Additionally, we summarize some studies related to the immunosuppressive effects of one particular compound, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Last we discuss potential future directions and challenges in the field of immunotoxicology.
传统上，免疫毒理学被定义为研究与接触环境化学物质、药物制剂和生物制品相关的免疫系统不良反应。尽管可能会出现多种免疫系统缺陷，但这些通常可分为免疫调节（免疫抑制或增强）、超敏反应（即过敏）和自身免疫。在此，我们简要概述免疫毒理学作为一门学科的发展历程，包括我们实验室以及其他实验室目前用于在细胞和生化水平研究化学物质免疫调节潜力的方法。此外，我们总结了一些与一种特定化合物2,3,7,8-四氯二苯并对二恶英（TCDD）免疫抑制作用相关的研究。最后，我们讨论免疫毒理学领域未来潜在的方向和挑战。
